A Solution for Creating Unique Products: Extrusion

In biscuit and cookie making, extrusion is an important process that requires, as Andre Erasmus found out, equipment that treats the product gently, uniformly and to a consistent level of quality.

There are many processes that are involved in the art of baking. While on might seem one of the more basic processes, it is also one of the most useful when it comes to biscuits, cookies and confectionery.

Extrusion, when used with relayed equipment and in the proper combination with co-extrusion and forming equipment, can create unique products.

One of the technological leaders in this field is OKA- Spezialmaschinen, which offers a range of solutions for smaller companies, as well as major multinationals.

However, it is more than just an end product that is uniformly made.

As Matthias Drees, Managing Partner at OKA, points out: “Our team at OKA continues to put a lot of effort into the hygienic design and flexibility of the equipment to cope with the current market demands. Due to the size of the company, we are in the position to be able to react quickly and efficiently to these changing demands.”

Based near Frankfurt and only 20 minutes away from the international airport, OKA can offer the full scope and support that is needed globally.

Due to the high level of integration with their own manufacturing and product design support, OKA’s process equipment has a strong focus on extruders, depositors and rotary molders.

Drees added that, with this focus on machinery for shaping of dough, OKA is in the position to offer very dedicated solutions such as extruders with the capability of processing four materials at the same time.

“With our good global network, not only can OKA equipment be integrated in any existing lines but also, into new lines with a wide partnership of suppliers for ovens and mixers,” Drees said.

OKA’s extruders range from 200mm laboratory equipment up to 1.800mm industrial units.

With different extrusion system approaches, OKA can handle up to four different materials with or without inclusions. In combination with the extruders, OKA can draw on a long expertise in cutting equipment. They offer standard guillotines, as well as sophisticated solutions like ultrasonic or water jet cutters.

For its extruders, OKA also offers accessories such as twisting nozzles or swinging nozzles.

The company’s latest developments include double-color rotary molding, as well as special design solutions for known processes.

You can read more in the latest issue of our magazine Biscuit World (Autumn)!